IBF super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas hopes to look great in number eight

Jerwin Ancajas (31-1-2, 21 KO’s) will continue his California dreaming with his fourth bout in the Golden State in as many fights.

His last three fights, dating back to May of last year, have seen him hit Fresno, Oakland and Stockton. For his eighth (yes, you read that correctly, number eight) IBF Super Fly title defense, he will set up shop in Carson, California at the Dignity Health Sports Park (see: StubHub) on November 2, to battle Jonathon Javier Rodriguez (21-1, 15 KO’s).

This will be the second bout of the year for one of boxing’s best action fighters who comes from the Manny Pacquiao “MP Promotions” stable.

Ancajas, who has four stoppages in eight title defenses, is one of boxing’s most exciting and active champions. Fighting out of Panabo City in the Philippines, and advised by Pacman Promotions’ matchmaker Sean Gibbons, Ancajas is starting to turn heads each time he fights as he builds a bigger following in North America among Philippine fight fans.

Ancajas-Rodriguez, will be the co-feature to the main event headlined by Miguel Berchelt vs. Jason Sosa in what should be an all-action war while it lasts.

Ancajas was held to a draw just two fights ago and is looking to get back to work and getting his second straight win (since the draw) and getting people talking again about how he is must see TV. He will also need to rev up the excitement meter if he hopes to lure the other champions in the division (WBC champion Juan Francisco Estrada and WBA boss Khlaid Yafi) into a unification bout.

In a recent interview Ancajas made it clear that he is excited about Rodriguez and the Mexican style he’ll bring to the proceedings.

“I am looking forward to this fight because Rodriguez brings the Mexican style to his fights, and Mexican and Filipinos make the best fights,” Ancajas said. “I want to thank Top Rank, (co-promoter) Senator Manny Pacquiao and my manager, Joven Jimenez, for their continued support. It is going to be a war, and to my Filipino fans, I look forward to putting on a show for you”, he said.

Ancajas, 27, is most recently coming off a stoppage win over Ryuichi Funai this past May and will be, by far, the best fighter Rodriguesz has ever faced. However, Rodriguez, 24, is very excited to show that he is indeed ready to step up and make a statement to bring on the elite in the division.

“I plan on taking full advantage of this opportunity,” Rodriguez said. “Ancajas is a great champion, but my time is now. It is time for a new face at 115 pounds.”

And, while Ancajas respects Rodriguez, and expects a tough fight, he is also currently the longest reigning current titleholder in his division and has no plans on letting Rodriguez upset the streak.

“Like I said, “It is going to be a war. I look forward to putting on a show in Carson and defending my title for all my Filipino fans”, he said.